What are they thinking?

Badlands Ranch sent this email to their subscribers on January 23, 2025.

q, have you ever looked at your pup and wondered:

What do you THINK about all day?

Me too!

They’re such delightfully quirky, silly, weird creatures.

And even though they live with us… go everywhere with us… and sometimes even share our beds…

It can be tricky to know what they’re thinking.

Well, scientists have been studying this dilemma (they must be dog lovers too).

And while they don’t have an exact answer…

Here’s a pretty good guess about what’s going on in your furry best friend’s head.

1. The Here and Now

Unlike us humans, who worry about the future and obsess over the past…

Dogs tend to stay in the present.

Their focus is often their immediate environment and basic needs.

So they might think about mealtime… playing with their favorite toy…

And even potential “threats” in their world, like that pesky squirrel on the tree outside.

For example, instead of thinking “Ok, people didn’t like it last time I barked at that squirrel, so maybe I shouldn’t do it this time.”

Your dog is probably just thinking:

“There he is again, in my territory. I’ll keep us safe by chasing him away!”

2. My Best Friends

One of the major things that impact dogs’ thinking is their SOCIAL relationships.

This can be relationships with other animals in the family…

And of course, their beloved humans (I’m talking about YOU).

So they might spend time thinking things like:

“I really want to get my dog friend to play. How can I tell her I'm ready?”

Or…

“I wonder what my person is doing? I should follow them and find out!”

3: In My Feelings

Us humans can often have complex emotional reactions to stuff going on in our world…

We can feel stressed, sad, and anxious all at once…

We can be overwhelmed with joy and adrenaline…

You name it — we feel it.

But your dog, on the other hand, experiences emotions a little more simply.

They can feel fear, anger, joy, sadness…

And more complex emotions like shyness, anxiety, excitement, and — of course — love.

But experts think dogs don’t deal with the really complex stuff like guilt, pride, or shame.

So while your dog is certainly “in their feelings” — they’re often only in one feeling at a time, rather than a complex mix.

“That was a scary noise!”

“I love you, human!”

“This is new… I’m not sure what to do.”

4: Needs First, Fun Later

Now, I briefly mentioned this at the start of the email…

But experts think the vast majority of your dog’s thinking has to do with basic needs.

“I’m hungry — I should get a snack.”

“I’m thirsty — maybe the toilet will do!”

“It’s nap time. I’m tired.”

When their basic needs of food, drink, shelter, and safety are met… that’s when they start thinking about other things.

And q, since I know you meet those needs beautifully for your dog…

Yours is probably thinking less about where their next meal will come from…

And more about how much they LOVE spending time with you.

Now, knowing what your pup is thinking doesn’t mean instant conversation (unless you speak dog).

But it CAN help decode their weird behaviors — and bring you two closer together.

So if they’re obsessing over food — it’s probably the only thing they can think about (they’re hungry).

If they’re barking at the mailman — they’re trying to keep you safe.

And if they’re following you around all day…

That’s a sign their needs are met… they feel safe…

And they’re enjoying hanging out with their favorite person!

To your dog's health,

Katherine Heigl

P.S. Speaking of your unique bond with your pup…

One of the biggest impacts on your dog’s thoughts — is you!

More specifically, it’s your emotions.

See, dogs may not experience feelings in the same way us humans do…

But they dopick up on your emotions.

So if you’re feeling stressed, your dog may need extra reassurance everything’s ok.

If you’re sad — they may want extra cuddles.

And if you’re happy — share in the joy!

Your dog is your #1 fan… and they’ll certainly love to be included.P.S.

This email was sent to None from Badlands Ranch
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10940 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1600 PMB #868 Los Angeles, CA 90024

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If you would like to unsubscribe, click here: Unsubscribehttps://www2.badlandsranch.com/cid/7013w000002HJz0AAGq, have you ever looked at your pup and wondered: What do you THINK about all day? Me too! They’re such delightfully quirky, silly, weird creatures. And even though they live with us… go everywhere with us… and sometimes even share our beds… It can be tricky to know what they’re thinking. Well, scientists have been studying this dilemma (they must be dog lovers too). And while they don’t have an exact answer… Here’s a pretty good guess about what’s going on in your furry best friend’s head.The Here and Now Unlike us humans, who worry about the future and obsess over the past…Dogs tend to stay in the present. Their focus is often their immediate environment and basic needs. So they might think about mealtime… playing with their favorite toy… And even potential “threats” in their world, like that pesky squirrel on the tree outside. For example, instead of thinking “Ok, people didn’t like it last time I barked at that squirrel, so maybe I shouldn’t do it this time.” Your dog is probably just thinking: “There he is again, in my territory. I’ll keep us safe by chasing him away!”My Best FriendsOne of the major things that impact dogs’ thinking is their SOCIAL relationships. This can be relationships with other animals in the family… And of course, their beloved humans (I’m talking about YOU). So they might spend time thinking things like: “I really want to get my dog friend to play. How can I tell her I'm ready?” Or… “I wonder what my person is doing? I should follow them and find out!” 3: In My Feelings Us humans can often have complex emotional reactions to stuff going on in our world… We can feel stressed, sad, and anxious all at once… We can be overwhelmed with joy and adrenaline… You name it — we feel it. But your dog, on the other hand, experiences emotions a little more simply. They can feel fear, anger, joy, sadness… And more complex emotions like shyness, anxiety, excitement, and — of course — love. But experts think dogs don’t deal with the really complex stuff like guilt, pride, or shame. So while your dog is certainly “in their feelings” — they’re often only in one feeling at a time, rather than a complex mix. “That was a scary noise!” “I love you, human!” “This is new… I’m not sure what to do.” 4: Needs First, Fun LaterNow, I briefly mentioned this at the start of the email… But experts think the vast majority of your dog’s thinking has to do with basic needs. “I’m hungry — I should get a snack.” “I’m thirsty — maybe the toilet will do!” “It’s nap time. I’m tired.” When their basic needs of food, drink, shelter, and safety are met… that’s when they start thinking about other things. And q, since I know you meet those needs beautifully for your dog… Yours is probably thinking less about where their next meal will come from… And more about how much they LOVE spending time with you. Now, knowing what your pup is thinking doesn’t mean instant conversation (unless you speak dog). But it CAN help decode their weird behaviors — and bring you two closer together. So if they’re obsessing over food — it’s probably the only thing they can think about (they’re hungry). If they’re barking at the mailman — they’re trying to keep you safe. And if they’re following you around all day… That’s a sign their needs are met… they feel safe… And they’re enjoying hanging out with their favorite person! To your dog's health, Katherine Heigl Facebook Instagram Custom Custom P.S. Speaking of your unique bond with your pup… One of the biggest impacts on your dog’s thoughts — is you! More specifically, it’s your emotions. See, dogs may not experience feelings in the same way us humans do… But they dopick up on your emotions. So if you’re feeling stressed, your dog may need extra reassurance everything’s ok. If you’re sad — they may want extra cuddles. And if you’re happy — share in the joy! Your dog is your #1 fan… and they’ll certainly love to be included.P.S. This email was sent to None from Badlands Ranch Manage Preferences | VIP Discounts | Join Text Club 10940 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1600 PMB #868 Los Angeles, CA 90024

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